West End musical theater star John Owen-Jones, a veteran of global classics like Les Misérables and The Phantom of the Opera, is preparing to connect with his Chinese fanbase with a brand-new production, Unmasked.

Owen-Jones describes the show, launching in Shanghai on New Year's Day 2026, as the story of his life and his most ambitious concert to date.

 "This is probably the most opulent, extravagant, exciting, and fun show I've ever done," he tells CGTN during rehearsals in a London dance studio.

"From the stage design to the talent I'm bringing from the West End with me, I'm doing the best of musical theater from throughout my life."

The concert includes a wide selection of music from Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera, and his recent work in The Great Gatsby.

"We are really committed to making this the best show we can," he says.

Finding connection with Chinese audiences  

The Welsh tenor has performed in China several times and has developed a deep appreciation for the audiences there.

He says there is a difference in enthusiasm from Chinese fans compared to fans he meets in New York or London.

"I was very surprised the first time I came to China how excited the audiences were," he says.

"There is less of this kind of work in China, so when we bring classic musical theater songs... they finally get to hear these songs sung live, they are incredibly excited and receptive."

He says Chinese audiences are "amongst the best in the world."

Valjean's humanity vs. the Phantom's tragedy

Having had record-breaking runs as both the Phantom and Les Misérables lead Jean Valjean, Owen-Jones admits a preference for the role he first took on at age 26, the youngest ever actor to portray Valjean.

 "If they asked me to do it tonight I would be there in a heartbeat, I love doing it," he says.

"There's something about the universal themes of it (Les Misérables), the story of redemption through love," he says.

Unmasked will see Owen-Jones return to cities like Beijing and Shanghai and visit new locations, including Xiamen and Hangzhou.

Recognizing his playful nickname from his Chinese fans, who call him "Uncle Bear," he says he hopes he will one day visit Chengdu to see the pandas.

The Unmasked tour is scheduled to begin in Shanghai at the New Bund 31 Performing Arts Center from January 1-3, 2026. Owen-Jones and his cast will perform in Beijing at the Tianqiao Performing Arts Center from January 8-11, 2026, before continuing on to other cities including Xiamen and Hangzhou.